The rumors were true, it was Esparza's last season...

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Raul-Esparza-Departs-LAW-ORDER-SVU-After-Six-Seasons-20180207

Which makes me sad because he had become such an unexpected fixture and frankly he made this show these last few seasons of less than par quality. I'm torn, I want to see him do more stage stuff again, I've missed him doing that, but I'm gonna miss his wry presence on SVU dreadfully. But hey, if this means more Broadway for him, I can't say I'm complaining about that.

I always thought he gave a masterclass in overacting each week. He has a face for the stage.

"hopefully this means he will return to broadway soon!"

And do his overacting here.

I wonder if he got over the beating Ben Brantley gave him on his last show?

That was quite a public lovers break up.